Camino Frances Pamplona to Logrono April 24th -27th

[RR3]

Arriving in Pamplona on the 23rd - although still debating whether to start in Roncesvalles.....

 

[Lance Chambers]

Roncesvalles is a great place to start but only if you are prepared to walk down steep loose shale that can cut you to pieces on the descent into Zubiri. I saw a number of people with quite horrible cuts in their calves, shins, and other parts of their bodies who had obviously fallen. Sticks are a MUST for the few kilometres you need to walk here just to maintain your balance.

PS Do NOT buy the voucher for breakfast at the monastery as they don't open the restaurant until quite late in the morning. I posted my unused voucher back to the monastery and not even a thank you card in return.

 

[RR3]

Roncesvalles is a great place to start but only if you are prepared to walk down steep loose shale that can cut you to pieces on the descent into Zubiri. I saw a number of people with quite horrible cuts in their calves, shins, and other parts of their bodies who had obviously fallen. Sticks are a MUST for the few kilometres you need to walk here just to maintain your balance.

PS Do NOT buy the voucher for breakfast as they don't open the restaurant until quite late in the morning. I posted my unused voucher back to the monastery and not even a thank you card in return.

Thank you Lance, info hugely appreciated! As a solo traveller, injuries along that route are not something i want to risk so i guess i will stick to Pamplona on this trip!

 

[Former member 49149]

Arriving in Pamplona on the 23rd - although still debating whether to start in Roncesvalles.....

Maybe I am blessed with my patchy memory: I really do not recall a bad descent from Zubiri. it was 13 years ago... and it was roasting hot, that was much more my complaint. What I do recall was the stepped area near a cement factory. I would start in Roncesvalles, if I had the chance but it is no loss either, just to skip out of Pamplona, up the slope to Cizur Menor, and up and over El Perdon, down via Uterga, head left around Muruzabal and take in the beautiful octagonal church in Eunate. That is something to give some time to. Then in no time you will be in Puente la Reina...
Buen Camino!

 

[Lance Chambers]

Sorry! I thought I said coming into Zubiri.

 

[Former member 49149]

Sorry! I thought I said coming into Zubiri.

you did indeed. Another example of my patchy memory and my lazy reading. Whatever, let the op take the decision. Lance. You were very clear and helpful.

 

[tckeady]

Arriving in Pamplona on the 23rd - although still debating whether to start in Roncesvalles.....

start in st jean or you will miss something you will have to go back for again.

 

[Lance Chambers]

There are buses from St Jean to Roncesvalles, Zubiri or Pamplona. So, in reality, you can always start at St Jean and get to a location that is much easier to walk by catching a single bus or two and the buses are very cheap.